Golf ball holder and method thereof

ABSTRACT

An apparatus has a golf ball holder including a receiver assembly having a resilient wall. The resilient wall is configured to: (A) form a stressed shape in response to the application of a stressing force to the resilient wall of the receiver assembly, and in the stressed shape, a golf ball is releasable from the receiver assembly; and (B) form an unstressed shape in response to the removal of the stressing force from the resilient wall of the receiver assembly, and in the unstressed shape, the receiver assembly is ready to receive and to hold the golf ball.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Some aspects generally relate to (and are not limited to) a golf ballholder and method thereof

BACKGROUND

Golf equipment encompasses various items used to play the sport of golf,such as a golf ball holder.

SUMMARY

At least one problem associated with known golf ball holders wasresearched. After much study, an understanding of the problem and itssolution has been identified, which is stated below.

It is believed that known golf ball holders do not provide a mechanismfor conveniently holding a golf ball (for example, at a convenient placeor position for convenient ready access by the golfer). In addition,known golf ball holders do not provide a mechanism for relativelyconvenient and easy cleaning of the golf ball by the golfer.

In order to mitigate at least one of the problems identified above (atleast in part) in accordance with an aspect, there is provided anapparatus having a golf ball holder including a receiver assembly havinga resilient wall; the resilient wall is configured to: (A) form astressed shape in response to the application of a stressing force tothe resilient wall of the receiver assembly, and in the stressed shape,a golf ball is releasable from the receiver assembly; and (B) form anunstressed shape in response to the removal of the stressing force fromthe resilient wall of the receiver assembly, and in the unstressedshape, the receiver assembly is ready to receive and to hold the golfball.

In order to mitigate at least one of the problems identified above (atleast in part), in accordance with an aspect, there is provided anapparatus having a golf ball holder including a receiver assemblyconfigured to: (A) form a stressed shape in response to the applicationof a stressing force to the receiver assembly, and in the stressedshape, a golf ball is releasable from the receiver assembly; and (B)form an unstressed shape in response to the removal of the stressingforce from the receiver assembly, and in the unstressed shape, thereceiver assembly is ready to receive and to hold the golf ball.

In order to mitigate at least one of the problems identified above (atleast in part), in accordance with an aspect, there is provided a methodof operating a golf ball holder, including: (A) applying a stressingforce to a resilient wall of a receiver assembly of the golf ball holderin such a way that the resilient wall of the receiver assembly forms astressed shape, and in the stressed shape, a golf ball is releasablefrom the receiver assembly; and (B) removing the stressing force fromthe resilient wall of the receiver assembly in such a way that theresilient wall of the receiver assembly forms an unstressed shape, andin the unstressed shape, the receiver assembly is ready to receive andto hold the golf ball.

In order to mitigate at least one of the problems identified above (atleast in part), in accordance with an aspect, there is provided a methodof operating a golf ball holder, including: (A) applying a stressingforce to a receiver assembly of the golf ball holder in such a way thatthe receiver assembly forms a stressed shape, and in the stressed shape,a golf ball is releasable from the receiver assembly; and (B) removingthe stressing force from the receiver assembly in such a way that thereceiver assembly forms an unstressed shape, and in the unstressedshape, the receiver assembly is ready to receive and to hold the golfball.

In order to mitigate at least one of the problems identified above (atleast in part), in accordance with an aspect, there is provided a methodof operating a golf ball holder. The method includes applying astressing force to a resilient wall of a receiver assembly of the golfball holder in such a way that the receiver assembly forms a stressedshape, and in the stressed shape, a golf ball is any one of: (A)receivable in the receiver assembly, (B) releasable from the receiverassembly, and (C) receivable in the receiver assembly, and releasablefrom the receiver assembly. The method further includes removing thestressing force from the resilient wall of the receiver assembly in sucha way that the receiver assembly forms an unstressed shape, and in theunstressed shape, the receiver assembly holds the golf ball oncereceived to do just so. In accordance with an option, the method furtherincludes providing a cleaning medium for the golf ball holder if sodesired.

In order to mitigate at least one of the problems identified above (atleast in part), in accordance with an aspect, there is provided otheraspects as identified in the claims.

Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may nowbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the followingdetailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by referenceto the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodimentswhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A (SHEET 1/8) depicts a perspective view of a first example of agolf ball holder;

FIG. 1B (SHEET 1/8) depicts another perspective view of the example ofthe golf ball holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1C (SHEET 1/8) depicts a front-perspective view of the example ofthe golf ball holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1D (SHEET 1/8) depicts a side view of the example of the golf ballholder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A (SHEET 2/8) depicts a side view of a second example of the golfball holder, which is a variation of the golf ball holder of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B (SHEET 2/8) depicts a side view of the example of the golf ballholder of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C (SHEET 3/8) depicts a cross-sectional view of the example of thegolf ball holder of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2D (SHEET 3/8) depicts a cross-sectional view of the example of thegolf ball holder of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2E (SHEET 3/8) depicts a cross-sectional view of the example of thegolf ball holder of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2F (SHEET 4/8) depicts a side view of the example of the golf ballholder of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2G (SHEET 4/8) depicts a side view of an actuation option for theexample of the golf ball holder of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3A (SHEET 5/8) depicts a side view of a third example of the golfball holder, which is a variation of the golf ball holder of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3B (SHEET 5/8) depicts a side view of the example of the golf ballholder of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C (SHEET 6/8) depicts a side view of the example of the golf ballholder of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 3D (SHEET 6/8) depicts a side view of the example of the golf ballholder of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 4A (SHEET 7/8) depicts a side view of a fourth example of the golfball holder, which is a variation of the golf ball holder of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4B (SHEET 7/8) depicts a side view of the example of the golf ballholder of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C (SHEET 8/8) depicts a side view of the example of the golf ballholder of FIG. 4A; and

FIG. 4D (SHEET 8/8) depicts a side view of the example of the golf ballholder of FIG. 4A.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated byphantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. Incertain instances, details not necessary for an understanding of theembodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult toperceive) may have been omitted.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding componentsthroughout the several figures of the Drawings. Elements in the severalfigures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have notnecessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some ofthe elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elementsfor facilitating an understanding of the various presently disclosedembodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that areuseful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often notdepicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of the variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

-   100 golf ball-   102 user-   104 item-   106 pressure-   200 golf ball holder-   202 receiver assembly-   203 resilient wall-   204 clip assembly-   206 finger assembly-   207 finger or fingers-   208 cleaning medium-   210 actuator assembly-   212 housing assembly-   214 motor assembly-   216 battery assembly-   217 switch-   218 gear assembly-   220 access mechanism-   221 detent mechanism

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. For purposes of the description herein, the terms“upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples asoriented in the drawings. Furthermore, there is no intention to be boundby any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technicalfield, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification, are simply exemplary embodiments (examples), aspectsand/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that “atleast one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations,modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalentthereof) are described with reference to the drawings. It should beunderstood that the invention is limited to the subject matter providedby the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particularaspects depicted and described.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D depict a perspective view, another perspectiveview, a front-perspective view, and a side view (respectively), of afirst example of a golf ball holder 200.

A user 102 (known as the golfer) inserts a golf ball 100 (by applicationof a user-applied force to the golf ball 100) in such a way that thegolf ball 100 enters, at least in part, into the golf ball holder 200.The user 102 may remove the golf ball 100 from the golf ball holder 200once the user 102 requires the golf ball 100 during a golf game (forinstance). The golf ball 100 may be any conventional (standard) golfball 100. As depicted in FIG. 1A, the golf ball holder 200 is ready toreceive the golf ball 100.

Generally, the golf ball holder 200 is configured to receive and holdthe golf ball 100, until required by the user 102. The golf ball holder200 is configured to hold the golf ball 100 in place (for convenience),and to allow for golf ball access when required by the user 102 (duringthe golf game).

Generally, the golf ball holder 200 includes a receiver assembly 202:The receiver assembly 202 may be called a housing. For example, thereceiver assembly 202 provides a resilient wall 203. It will beappreciated that the receiver assembly 202 may be resilient and/or theresilient wall 203 may be resilient (any one or both, but preferablyboth, if so desired).

As depicted in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1D, more specifically, the receiverassembly 202 (or the resilient wall 203) is configured to form astressed shape in response to the application of a stressing force tothe receiver assembly 202, and in the stressed shape, a golf ball 100 isany one of: (A) receivable in the receiver assembly 202 (as depicted inFIG. 1B), (B) releasable from the receiver assembly 202 (as depicted inFIG. 1D), and (C) receivable in the receiver assembly 202 and releasablefrom the receiver assembly 202.

The receiver assembly 202 (or the resilient wall 203) is furtherconfigured to form an unstressed shape (as depicted in FIG. 1A) inresponse to the removal of the stressing force from the receiverassembly 202 (the stressing force is depicted as the pressure 106 inFIG. 1D). In the unstressed shape, the receiver assembly 202 is ready toreceive and to hold the golf ball 100. The unstressed shape is alsoknown as the ready-to-receive shape, as depicted in FIG. 1A. As depictedin FIG. 1C, the golf ball 100 is received and is held by the receiverassembly 202 in a ball-received state. In the ball-received state, thereceiver assembly 202 (as depicted in FIG. 1C) may be in a stressedcondition or may be in an unstressed condition (as desired or required).

The receiver assembly 202 (or the resilient wall 203) is furtherconfigured to return to the unstressed shape (also called the normalshape, as depicted in FIG. 1A) from the stressed shape (also called thedeformed state, as depicted in FIG. 1D) in response to the removal ofthe pressure 106 from the receiver assembly 202; that is, the user 102stops applying the pressure 106 to the receiver assembly 202.

In view of the above, there is provided a method of operating the golfball holder 200. The method includes applying a stressing force to anyone of the resilient wall 203 and/or the receiver assembly 202; this isdone in such a way that the resilient wall 203 and/or the receiverassembly 202 forms a stressed shape; in the stressed shape, a golf ball100 is releasable from the receiver assembly 202. The method alsoincludes removing the stressing force from the resilient wall 203 and/orthe receiver assembly 202; this is done in such a way that the resilientwall 203 and/or the receiver assembly 202 forms an unstressed shape; inthe unstressed shape, the receiver assembly 202 is ready to receive andto hold the golf ball 100.

The receiver assembly 202 (or the resilient wall 203) is configured torecoil or spring back or return to the unstressed shape (the originalshape or the original position as depicted in FIG. 1A) from the stressedshape (as depicted in FIG. 1D) in response to the removal of a force(the pressure 106, a bending force, a stretching force, and/or acompression force) from the resilient wall 203.

More specifically, the receiver assembly 202 and/or the resilient wall203 includes a resilient material. The resilient material is a material,such as a resilient plastic material, that retains its characteristicflexibility when subjected to extreme cold or heat. For example, thereceiver assembly 202 or the resilient wall 203 may include anyresilient material, such as a plastic material that may have anultra-violet (UV) light protectant or a UV stabilizer. The UV stabilizeris configured to protect the plastic resilient material from long-termdegradation effects from light, most frequently ultraviolet radiation.

The receiver assembly 202 defines an inner surface that surrounds aninner cavity formed, at least in part, by the receiver assembly 202. Theinner cavity is shaped, at least in part, to match, at least in part,the shape of the outer wall of the golf ball 100. The shape of the innersurface of the receiver assembly 202 conforms, at least in part, to theshape of the outer wall of the golf ball 100 once the receiver assembly202 is in the unstressed condition (depicted in FIG. 1A). As well, theshape of the inner surface of the receiver assembly 202 conforms, atleast in part, to the shape of the outer wall of the golf ball 100 oncethe receiver assembly 202 receives and holds the golf ball 100 in theball-received condition (as depicted in FIG. 1C) if so desired.

For example, the receiver assembly 202 may have: (A) a semi-sphericalshape that provides, at least in part, the resilient wall 203, or (B) aspherical-like shape, etc.

Generally, the receiver assembly 202 is configured to receive, at leastin part (as depicted in FIG. 1D), a squeezing force (the pressure 106)in such a way that the receiver assembly 202 transfers the squeezingforce to the golf ball 100 (via the resilient wall 203), and the forcethat is transferred is large enough to urge the exit (removal) of thegolf ball 100 from the receiver assembly 202.

In accordance with an option, a clip assembly 204 is attached to thereceiver assembly 202. The clip assembly 204 is attached to a baseportion of the receiver assembly 202. The clip assembly 204 isconfigured to attach or couple the receiver assembly 202 to an item ofclothing of the user 102, such as a belt buckle, a golf bag, etc.

In accordance with an option, a finger assembly 206 extends from thereceiver assembly 202. More specifically, the finger assembly 206includes at least one instance of a finger 207. The finger assembly 206extends away from an opening defined by the receiver assembly 202. Morespecifically, the finger assembly 206 extends along a longitudinal axisextending from the receiver assembly 202 out from the opening defined bythe receiver assembly 202. The finger assembly 206 extends away from thebase portion of the receiver assembly 202, along a longitudinal axisextending from the receiver assembly 202. The finger assembly 206 isconfigured to extend (enclose), at least in part, around the golf ball100 once the golf ball 100 is inserted into the receiver assembly 202.The finger assembly 206 includes any suitable number or instances of thefinger 207. By way of example, the finger assembly 206 includes: (A) asingle instance of the finger 207 that extends from the receiverassembly 202 and extends at least partly around the golf ball 100 heldby the receiver assembly 202; (B) two instances of the finger 207 thatextend from the receiver assembly 202, and extend at least partly aroundthe golf ball 100 held by the receiver assembly 202, and may bepositioned on opposite sides of the receiver assembly 202; (C) threeinstances of the finger 207 that extend from the receiver assembly 202,and extend at least partly around the golf ball 100 held by the receiverassembly 202, and may be positioned (equidistant relative to each other)on the receiver assembly 202; (D) four instances of the finger 207 thatextend from the receiver assembly 202, and extend at least partly aroundthe golf ball 100 held by the receiver assembly 202; and (E) at leasttwo instances of the finger 207 that extend from the receiver assembly202, and extend at least partly around the golf ball 100 held by thereceiver assembly 202. The finger 207 of the finger assembly 206 mayhave any suitable shape and/or size, such as a rounded shape, a squareshape, a triangular shape, etc.

Generally, the receiver assembly 202 is configured to hold the golf ball100, and the finger assembly 206 is configured to (resiliently) contain(enclose) the golf ball 100 in the receiver assembly 202 once the golfball 100 is received by the receiver assembly 202.

As the golf ball 100 is introduced into the receiver assembly 202, thefinger assembly 206 (the fingers 207) spreads open (spreads apart orfans outwardly) in such a way as to allow the golf ball 100 to continueto enter (or exit) the receiver assembly 202. Once the golf ball 100 isreceived and positioned in the receiver assembly 202, the fingerassembly 206 (the fingers 207) fans inwardly in such a way that thefinger assembly 206 (the fingers 207) encloses, at least in part, thegolf ball 100 that is held by the receiver assembly 202. It will beappreciated that the finger assembly 206 is configured to be resilient,and/or at least one instance of the finger 207 is configured to beresilient.

Referring to FIG. 1D, to release the golf ball 100 from the receiverassembly 202, the receiver assembly 202 is configured to receive apressure 106 that is applicable to the opposite sides of the receiverassembly 202; this is done in such a way as to squeeze the golf ball 100out from the receiver assembly 202, and as the golf ball 100 moves awayfrom the receiver assembly 202, the finger assembly 206 is urged to fanoutwardly (in a resilient manner) to allow exit of the golf ball 100.

Operatively, to release the golf ball 100 from the receiver assembly202, the pressure 106 (release pressure) is applied on the oppositesides of the receiver assembly 202 in such a way as to squeeze the golfball 100 out from the receiver assembly 202 (a squeezing effect), and asthe golf ball 100 moves away from the receiver assembly 202, the fingerassembly 206 is urged to fan outwardly (expand outwardly). As the golfball 100 is urged past a certain point, the finger assembly 206 mayassist in pushing the golf ball 100 out and away from the receiverassembly 202, and eventually the user 102 may grab and pull the golfball 100 away from the golf ball holder 200.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the golf ball holder 200 is partly receiving thegolf ball 100. The user 102 is pushing the golf ball 100 past the fingerassembly 206. The finger assembly 206 is configured to be resilient(spring like), and is configured to flex in such a way as to open sothat the golf ball 100 is receivable in the inner chamber defined by thereceiver assembly 202. The finger assembly 206 includes instances of thefinger 207; as depicted for this example, the fingers 207 each define arounded frontal portion with side sections that are spaced apart fromeach other, and the side sections of each instance of the finger 207 arejoined at a connection zone where each instance of the finger 207connects to the receiver assembly 202.

Referring to FIG. 1C, the golf ball 100 is operatively received and heldby the receiver assembly 202. In accordance with an option, theinstances of the finger 207 of the finger assembly 206 may come togetherbut not necessarily touch adjacently positioned instances of the finger207, if so desired.

Referring to FIG. 1D, to remove the golf ball 100 from the receiverassembly 202, the user 102 may pinch the receiver assembly 202 (in thebase portion), causing or urging the golf ball 100 to move past thefinger assembly 206 and into the open hand of the user 102. The fingerassembly 206 is urged to move outwardly to accommodate movement of thegolf ball 100 into the open hand of the user 102. Preferably, withminimal effort, the golf ball 100 may be received into the same hand ofthe user 102.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict side views of a second example of the golf ballholder 200, which is a variation of the golf ball holder 200 of FIG. 1A.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the golf ball holder 200 is depicted as notholding the golf ball 100 of FIG. 2B. The golf ball holder 200 is ready(in the ready-to-receive state) to receive the golf ball 100 of FIG. 2B.In accordance with this example, the finger assembly 206 providesinstances of the finger 207, in which each instance of the finger 207has sides that touch the sides of adjacently located instances of thefinger 207, as depicted, when the receiver assembly 202 does not receivethe golf ball 100. Of course, other variations of the fingers 207 mayprovide a small gap placed between adjacently located instances of thefinger 207 if so desired (in the state or condition as depicted in FIG.2A).

Once the golf ball 100 is inserted into the open zone defined by the tipof the finger assembly 206, then the fingers 207 resiliently spreadapart (fan outwardly), thus allowing entrance of the golf ball 100 intothe receiver assembly 202 by way of the opening defined by the receiverassembly 202. The fingers 207 extend from the outer edge (peripheraledge) of the receiver assembly 202 at the opening defined by thereceiver assembly 202.

The clip assembly 204 is configured to attach the receiver assembly 202to an item 104. The item 104 may include, for instance, the belt of theuser 102, a golf bag, etc. The clip assembly 204 extends from the baseportion of the receiver assembly 202. The clip assembly 204 may includea resilient portion (having a metal portion and/or a plastic portion).

Referring to FIG. 2B, the golf ball holder 200 is depicted as receivingand holding the golf ball 100. Once the golf ball 100 has been receivedand held by the receiver assembly 202, the finger assembly 206 flexes(since it is resilient) in such a manner as to enclose (is configured toenclose), at least in part, a first portion of the golf ball 100, whilethe receiver assembly 202 encloses (is configured to enclose), at leastin part, a second portion of the golf ball 100. To remove the golf ball100 from the receiver assembly 202, the user 102 may pinch the receiverassembly 202 (in the base portion), thus causing or urging the golf ball100 to move past the finger assembly 206 and into the open hand of theuser 102 (because the finger assembly 206 and the receiver assembly 202are resilient, and may temporarily deform to allow removal of the golfball 100). As the pressure is applied to the receiver assembly 202, thereceiver assembly 202 deforms resiliently (at least in part), causingthe golf ball 100 to move out from the receiver assembly 202, and thenthe golf ball 100 pushes against the finger assembly 206, and the fingerassembly 206 is urged (by the golf ball 100) to resiliently moveoutwardly (temporarily deform) in such a manner as to accommodateexisting movement of the golf ball 100 out of the golf ball holder 200(the receiver assembly 202 and the finger assembly 206) and into theopen hand of the user 102.

FIGS. 2C, 2D and 2E depict cross-sectional views of the example of thegolf ball holder 200 of FIG. 2B.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the receiver assembly 202 is depicted as receivingthe golf ball 100. The receiver assembly 202 includes a cleaning medium208 configured to clean, at least in part, the golf ball 100 in responseto the application of a rotational force to the golf ball 100 while thegolf ball 100 is received in the receiver assembly 202. Morespecifically, the cleaning medium 208 is configured to wipe, at least inpart, debris (dirt) from the outer surface of the golf ball 100 as thegolf ball 100 is made to rotate (in the receiver assembly 202) relativeto the cleaning medium 208. The cleaning medium 208 is operativelyinstalled (connected fixedly or removably fixed) to the inner wall ofthe receiver assembly 202. For example, an adhesive may be applied tothe inner surface wall of the receiver assembly 202, and the adhesiveconnects the cleaning medium 208 to the receiver assembly 202. The golfball 100 may be cleaned, at least in part, (wiped off in part) byapplication of a rotational force to the golf ball 100. The rotationalforce may be applied by the user 102. The golf ball 100 rotates (is madeto rotate) within the receiver assembly 202, and the outer surface ofthe golf ball 100 is wiped by the cleaning medium 208 as the golf ball100 is rotated within the receiver assembly 202. Generally, the cleaningmedium 208 is configured to wipe, at least in part, debris from the golfball 100 in response to the application of a rotational force to thegolf ball 100 while the golf ball 100 is received in the receiverassembly 202. It will be appreciated that some dampness may reside inthe cleaning medium 208 as a result of cleaning the golf ball 100 thatbecomes wet during the golf game.

Referring to FIG. 2D, the golf ball 100 has been removed from thereceiver assembly 202. The cleaning medium 208 is adhered to the innerwall of the receiver assembly 202 by the adhesive. The cleaning medium208 may include a cloth material, a fiber material, a sponge material, apad, a lining material, a foam material, etc. The cleaning medium 208 isdepicted as extending, at least in part, along the inner surface of thereceiver assembly 202 and the inner facing surface of the fingerassembly 206. At least one of the fingers 207 has the cleaning medium208 attached thereto (if so desired). It will be appreciated that inaccordance with an option, the cleaning medium 208 may be attached toany one of the inner facing surface of the receiver assembly 202 and/orthe finger assembly 206, as so desired.

The following describes an example of the manner for removing thecleaning medium 208, and installing a replacement instance of thecleaning medium 208: after a round of golf, the user 102 (the golfplayer) may remove the cleaning medium 208 by peeling the cleaningmedium 208 away from the receiver assembly 202, starting from the fingerassembly 206 and pulling out the cleaning medium 208 from the interiorof the receiver assembly 202. An adhesive material, positioned on theinterior surface of the receiver assembly 202, adheres to thereplacement instance of (the new) the cleaning medium 208. The adhesivematerial is configured to facilitate multiple applications(reapplications) of the cleaning medium 208 to the inner surface of thereceiver assembly 202.

The following describes an option for cleaning the cleaning medium 208,after the golf game, so that the cleaning medium 208 may be fresh andclean for the next golf game: after a round of golf, the cleaning medium208 may be cleaned by applying a cleaning solution to the cleaningmedium 208 either with the finger 207 of the user 102 or by inserting acleaning cloth (not depicted) into the interior of the receiver assembly202, and rotating the finger 207 or the cleaning cloth (and externalcleaning rag) in such a way as to clean (remove debris from) thecleaning medium 208. The cleaning medium 208 may be allowed to dry outbefore the next round of golf.

In accordance with FIG. 2D, the cleaning medium 208 is configured tocover, at least in part, an inner-facing surface of the finger assembly206. The cleaning medium 208 is positioned in the base portion (thebase) of the receiver assembly 202. The cleaning medium 208 isconfigured to cover, at least in part, an inner wall of the base portionof the receiver assembly 202. The finger assembly 206 is configured tocontact (directly or indirectly), at least in part, the golf ball 100once the golf ball 100 contacts the cleaning medium 208 positioned inthe inner cavity defined by the receiver assembly 202.

Referring to FIG. 2E, the cleaning medium 208 does not extend to coverthe finger assembly 206. The cleaning medium 208 is positioned in thebase portion or the base of the receiver assembly 202. The cleaningmedium 208 is configured to cover, at least in part, an inner wall of abase of the receiver assembly 202. The finger assembly 206 is configuredto contact the golf ball 100 once the golf ball 100 contacts thecleaning medium 208 positioned in the inner cavity defined by thereceiver assembly 202. Generally speaking, the cleaning medium 208 isconfigured to cover, at least in part, any one of: (A) an inner wall ofa base of the receiver assembly 202; and (B) an inner-facing surface ofthe finger assembly 206.

FIG. 2F depicts a side view of the example of the golf ball holder 200of FIG. 2B.

The user 102 applies a rotational force to the golf ball 100 being heldby the receiver assembly 202 (in order to clean the golf ball 100). Thereceiver assembly 202 holds the golf ball 100 with sufficient force sothat the golf ball 100 does not inadvertently exit from the receiverassembly 202, but may be rotated within the receiver assembly 202. Inthis manner, the golf ball 100 may be cleaned before being removed bythe user 102.

FIG. 2G depicts a side view of an actuation option for the example ofthe golf ball holder 200 of FIG. 2B.

In accordance with the actuation option, the user 102 does not have toapply a rotational force to the golf ball 100. An actuator assembly 210is positioned at the base area or base zone of the receiver assembly202. The actuator assembly 210 includes a housing assembly 212. Thehousing assembly 212 is configured to house a motor assembly 214. Thehousing assembly 212 is configured to house a battery assembly 216 thatis connected to the motor assembly 214. A switch 217 is provided, and isconfigured to connect the battery assembly 216 to the motor assembly214, under the control of the user 102. The housing assembly 212 isconfigured to house a gear assembly 218, such as a wheel, etc. The gearassembly 218 is configured to transfer rotational force from the motorassembly 214 to the golf ball 100 being held in the receiver assembly202. In this manner, the golf ball 100 may be wiped, at least in part,by the cleaning medium 208 of FIG. 2C in response to the rotation of thegolf ball 100 resulting from actuation of the motor assembly 214. Thehousing assembly 212 includes a resilient material. To remove the golfball 100 from the receiver assembly 202, the pressure 106 is applied, atleast in part, to opposite sides of the housing assembly 212 in such away that the pressure 106 is transferred from the housing assembly 212to the receiver assembly 202. The housing assembly 212 and the receiverassembly 202 temporarily (and resiliently) deform while the pressure 106is applied to the housing assembly 212. Then, the pressure 106 istransferred to the golf ball 100, and the pressure 106 urges the golfball 100 to move out from the receiver assembly 202 and past the fingerassembly 206 (as previously described).

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict side views of a third example of the golf ballholder 200, which is a variation of the golf ball holder 200 of FIG. 1A.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the golf ball holder 200 is depicted as notholding the golf ball 100, and is ready to receive the golf ball 100. Inaccordance with the third example of the golf ball holder 200, thereceiver assembly 202 includes an access mechanism 220 configured topermit user access to the golf ball 100 held in the receiver assembly202. In accordance with one option, the access mechanism 220 includes anopen access port. The detent mechanism is configured to interact withthe golf ball 100 once the user 102 applies pressure to the detentmechanism. In response to the application of pressure to the accessmechanism 220 (such as, the detent mechanism), the access mechanism 220urges the golf ball 100 to move outwardly and away from the receiverassembly 202. The receiver assembly 202 defines an access mechanism 220in the base portion of the receiver assembly 202. For the case where theclip assembly 204 is not provided, the location of the access mechanism220 may be positioned directly opposite from (or coaxially aligned with)the open zone formed by the tips of the finger assembly 206. For thecase where the clip assembly 204 is provided, the location of the accessmechanism 220 may be positioned slightly to one side of the receiverassembly 202. The detent mechanism is a mechanism that provides a catchthat prevents motion of an item until released.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the golf ball holder 200 is depicted as holdingthe golf ball 100. In accordance with one option, the receiver assembly202 is configured to present the golf ball 100 to the user 102 in such away that the user 102 applies a rotational force to the golf ball 100held by the receiver assembly 202, in order to clean the golf ball 100.In accordance with another option, the finger assembly 206 presents thegolf ball 100 to the user 102 in such a way that the user 102 applies arotational force to the golf ball 100 held by the receiver assembly 202,in order to clean the golf ball 100.

FIGS. 3C and 3D depict side views of the example of the golf ball holder200 of FIG. 3B.

Referring to FIG. 3C, there is depicted a removal option for removingthe golf ball 100 from the receiver assembly 202. For example, user 102applies a force via the access mechanism 220 to the golf ball 100,causing or urging the golf ball 100 to move past the finger assembly 206and into the open hand of the user 102. The finger assembly 206 is urgedto move outwardly to accommodate movement of the golf ball 100 into theopen hand of the user 102.

Referring to FIG. 3D, there is depicted another removal option forremoving the golf ball 100 from the receiver assembly 202. For example,the access mechanism 220 is not used (or provided) for removing the golfball 100. The user 102 may pinch the receiver assembly 202, causing orurging the golf ball 100 to move past the finger assembly 206 and intothe open hand of the user 102. The finger assembly 206 is urged to moveoutwardly to accommodate movement of the golf ball 100 into the openhand of the user 102.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict side views of a fourth example of the golf ballholder 200, which is a variation of the golf ball holder 200 of FIG. 1A.

Referring to FIG. 4A (the fourth example of the golf ball holder 200),the finger assembly 206 is configured to extend in such a way as tonearly encapsulate or cover the golf ball 100, and the fingers 207 ofthe finger assembly 206 define or provide a relatively smaller instanceof the user-access or opening zone. The user 102 applies a pushing forceto the golf ball 100 via the access mechanism 220, and in response, thegolf ball 100 then is urged out from the receiver assembly 202 and pastthe tips of the finger assembly 206. The golf ball 100 then moves pastor exists past the finger assembly 206 and then drops into the open handof the user 102.

For the case where the access mechanism 220 includes an access portdefined in the resilient wall 203, the user 102 accesses the golf ball100 in such a way as to impart a rotational force to the golf ball 100as the ball is held and permitted to rotate in the receiver assembly202; in this manner the cleaning medium 208 (if deployed in the receiverassembly 202 and/or the finger assembly 206) may wipe, at least in part,debris from the surface of the golf ball 100 (if so desired) as the golfball 100 is made to rotate in the receiver assembly 202. In addition,the user 102 may access the golf ball 100 in such a way as to impart anejection force or pressure to the golf ball 100 via the access port insuch a way that the ejection force applied by the user 102 may eject thegolf ball 100 from the receiver assembly 202, and the finger assembly206 resiliently flexes to permit ejection of the golf ball 100 from thereceiver assembly 202 of the golf ball holder 200 (and into the hand ofthe user 102).

Referring to FIG. 4B, the access mechanism 220 is optional. The user 102may rotate the golf ball 100 by manipulating or touching the golf ball100 at the open zone formed by the finger assembly 206. To clean thegolf ball 100, the golf ball 100 is rotated within the receiver assembly202.

FIG. 4C depicts a side view of the example of the golf ball holder ofFIG. 4A.

In accordance with another option, the access mechanism 220 includes adetent mechanism 221. The detent mechanism 221 is a catch configured toprevent motion until released or actuated. For example, the detentmechanism 221 includes a closed “concave” button shaped surface and/or aclosed “convex” button shaped surface (both are relatively flexiblesurfaces or structures). The user 102 applies a pushing force (apressure) to the golf ball 100 via the detent mechanism 221 (that is,the access mechanism 220); in response, the access mechanism 220 urges(pushes) the golf ball 100 out from the receiver assembly 202 and pastthe tips of the finger assembly 206. In FIG. 4A, the user has not yettouched the detent mechanism 221, and therefore there is no application(direct or indirect) of the pushing force (the pressure) to the golfball 100 from the user (since the user has not yet touched the detentmechanism 221).

FIG. 4D depicts a side view of the example of the golf ball holder ofFIG. 4A.

In FIG. 4B, the detent mechanism 221 does apply the pressure 106 to thegolf ball 100 as a result of the user 102 applying the pressure 106 tothe detent mechanism 221. Generally, the detent mechanism 221 isconfigured to apply the pressure 106 to the golf ball 100 in response touser application of a pressure 106 to the detent mechanism 221; in thismanner, the user 102 has pushed (directly) the detent mechanism 221toward the golf ball 100, and the detent mechanism 221 touches(contacts) and urges the golf ball 100 out from the receiver assembly202.

It will be appreciated that any one or more of the technical featuresand/or any one or more sections of the technical features of the golfball holder 200 may be combined with any other one or more of thetechnical features and/or any other one or more sections of thetechnical features of the golf ball holder 200 in any combination and/orpermutation. Any one or more of the technical features and/or any one ormore sections of the technical features of the golf ball holder 200 maystand on its own merit without having to be combined with another othertechnical feature.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the inventionis defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur tothose skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be withinthe scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do notdiffer from the literal language of the claims, or if they includeequivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from theliteral languages of the claims. It may be appreciated that theassemblies and modules described above may be connected with each otheras may be required to perform desired functions and tasks that arewithin the scope of persons of skill in the art to make suchcombinations and permutations without having to describe each and everyone of them in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly, orcomponents, that are superior to any of the equivalents available to theart. There is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed subjectmatter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may beperformed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosedsubject matter have been provided in this document. It is understoodthat the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope providedby the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope ofthe present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii)the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) thesummary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the description provided outsideof this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed,as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for the purposes ofthis document, that the phrase “includes” is equivalent to the word“comprising.” It is noted that the foregoing has outlined thenon-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made forparticular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood thatthe non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a golf ball holder, including: a receiver assembly having a resilient wall being configured to: form a stressed shape in response to application of a stressing force to the resilient wall of the receiver assembly, and in the stressed shape, a golf ball is releasable from the receiver assembly; and form an unstressed shape in response to removal of the stressing force from the resilient wall of the receiver assembly, and in the unstressed shape, the receiver assembly is ready to receive and to hold the golf ball.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilient wall of the receiver assembly is further configured to return to the unstressed shape from the stressed shape in response to removal of a pressure from the receiver assembly.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the receiver assembly defines an inner surface that surrounds an inner cavity, and the inner cavity is shaped, at least in part, to match, at least in part, a shape of an outer wall of the golf ball.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the receiver assembly is configured to receive a squeezing force in such a way that the receiver assembly transfers a force to the golf ball, and the force is large enough to urge exit of the golf ball from the receiver assembly.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a clip assembly attached to the receiver assembly, and the clip assembly is configured to attach the receiver assembly to an item.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a finger assembly extending away from an opening defined by the receiver assembly, and the finger assembly is configured to extend, at least in part, around the golf ball once the golf ball is inserted into the receiver assembly.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the finger assembly includes any one of: a single instance of a finger extending from the receiver assembly and extends at least partly around the golf ball held by the receiver assembly; two instances of the finger extending from the receiver assembly, and extend at least partly around the golf ball held by the receiver assembly, and may be positioned on opposite sides of the receiver assembly; three instances of the finger extending from the receiver assembly, and extend at least partly around the golf ball held by the receiver assembly, and may be positioned equidistant relative to each other on of the receiver assembly; and four instances of the finger extending from the receiver assembly, and extend at least partly around the golf ball held by the receiver assembly.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the finger assembly includes any one of: at least two instances of a finger that extend from the receiver assembly, and extend at least partly around the golf ball held by the receiver assembly.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the receiver assembly is configured to hold the golf ball; and the finger assembly is configured to contain the golf ball in the receiver assembly once the golf ball is received by the receiver assembly.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the receiver assembly is configured to hold the golf ball; and the finger assembly is configured to contain the golf ball in the receiver assembly once the golf ball is received by the receiver assembly; as the golf ball is introduced into the receiver assembly, the finger assembly is configured to spread open in such a way as to allow the golf ball to continue to enter the receiver assembly; and once the golf ball is positioned in the receiver assembly, the finger assembly is configured to fan inwardly in such a way that the finger assembly is configured to enclose, at least in part, the golf ball that is held by the receiver assembly.
 11. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: to release the golf ball from the receiver assembly, the receiver assembly is configured to receive a pressure applicable, at least in part, to opposite sides of the receiver assembly, in such a way as to squeeze the golf ball out from the receiver assembly, and as the golf ball moves away from the receiver assembly, the finger assembly is urged to fan outwardly.
 12. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the finger assembly is resilient, and is configured to flex in such a way as to open so that the golf ball is receivable in an inner chamber defined by the receiver assembly.
 13. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the finger assembly includes: instances of a finger each defusing a rounded frontal portion, with sides sections that are spaced apart from each other, and side sections of the instances of the finger are joined at a connection zone where each instance of the finger connects to the receiver assembly.
 14. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the finger assembly provides instances of a finger, and each instance of the finger has sides that touch the sides of adjacently located instances of the finger when the receiver assembly does not receive the golf ball.
 15. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: once the golf ball has been received by the receiver assembly, the finger assembly is configured to enclose, at least in part, a first portion of the golf ball, while the receiver assembly is configured to enclose, at least in part, a second portion of the golf ball.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a cleaning medium being operatively installed to an inner wall of the receiver assembly; and the cleaning medium is configured to wipe, at least in part, debris from the golf ball in response to application of a rotational force to the golf ball while the golf ball is received in the receiver assembly.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a finger assembly extending away from an opening defined by the receiver assembly, and the finger assembly is configured to extend, at least in part, around the golf ball once the golf ball is inserted into the receiver assembly; and the cleaning medium is configured to cover at least in part, any one of: the inner wall of the receiver assembly; and an inner-facing surface of the finger assembly.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: the cleaning medium is adhered to the inner wall of the receiver assembly by an adhesive.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the receiver assembly is configured to present the golf ball to a user in such a way that the user applies a rotational force to the golf ball held by the receiver assembly, in order to clean the golf ball.
 20. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the finger assembly is configured to present the golf ball to a user in such a way that the user applies a rotational force to the golf ball held by the receiver assembly, in order to clean the golf ball.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an actuator assembly positioned at a base area of the receiver assembly, and the actuator assembly including: a motor assembly; a battery assembly being connected to the motor assembly; a switch configured to connect the battery assembly to the motor assembly; a gear assembly being configured to transfer rotational force from the motor assembly to the golf ball being held in the receiver assembly.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the receiver assembly includes an access mechanism being configured to permit user access to the golf ball held in the receiver assembly, and in response to application of a pressure to the access mechanism, the access mechanism being configured to urge the golf ball to move outwardly and away from the receiver assembly. 